Has anyone launched a small boat at Lake Powell

[Harleybullet]

Any info on the type of boat trailed there or use of a Porta boat or an inflatable on the Lake. Where did you stay and/or launch and how was the lake conditions.... wind & waves

[Mello_Mike]

We went to Warm Creek Bay a few years ago. Very cool and pretty remote. We were the only people there. There's a small boat launch area there that can easily handle small boats.

Crosby Canyon and Warm Creek Bay

[Kayteg1]

I drove my 16' open boat to Catalina Island 20 years ago, but don't think I would like to repeat it today.

[Harleybullet]

Gee guys this is really getting interesting.....need to know the best place in the upper lake to camp with TC and get to some slots. I mey say I have been in some really heavy seas with a 25 foot boat of which my wife thinks we were "calculating crazy" but, I am not certifiable...hehehe
I know my limits but with your info this is doable!!!

[whazoo]

Haha, I have to say it..."You're gonna need a bigger boat!"

I would consider monsoon to start middle of Juneish and go all the way through Sept. I've seen the worst come up the middle of Sept when we thought to be in the clear. I would almost liken it to camping in a hurricane. We've thrown boulders in tents to keep them on the ground and I've had to run out in middle of the night darkness several times to dump anchor & run the boat farther out away from the beach, no anchor could keep a boat locked down and would end up on the beach otherwise. Oct is the absolute best to "see" the lake but not necessarily swim in it lol. it really cools off starting in Sept. Same with April and May, cool water.
The closest slot style canyons are directly across from Lone Rock but I'm afraid you won't be able to see the type you may be wanting without going up lake. The rock in the slots close to Lone Rock are the white Navajo sandstone and not the red Wingate that make to colors so incredible. I'd say rent a powerboat but like said, a ton of money. Good luck!
On edit, storms aren't every day, can't really be forecast and typically come up in the afternoon after an incredibly calm day lol. Years ago a dozen or so tourists lost their lives in lower Antelope Canyon slot with a tour guide while in the canyon on foot..

[trail-explorer]

Kayteg1 wrote:
How do you cover 1500 miles shoreline in kayak?

Slower than in a porta-bote with a 6hp outboard

[Kayteg1]

How do you cover 1500 miles shoreline in kayak?

[Harleybullet]

Whazoo ... what is considered the monsoon season on the lake? I would really like to explore some of the closer slot canyons not cover the whole lake. Any suggestion as to when the best weather would be and a place to camp the TC and be within a short distance of some of the nicer canyons.... you guys are a host of information.....Dave

[whazoo]

Sorry for disappointing news but there’s nowhere on Lake Powell I’d take anything less than 21 foot deep V unless like Cal mentioned you do Blue Notch at the north end.This winter the water was almost back up to the launch ramp at Hite. We stopped going years ago because of all the huge boats and water maggots, wave runners I mean. It would take us most of the day to find a place to camp up Lake because there were two thousand houseboats out stringing all their wave runners along every stretch of sand beach to keep everyone away from their one boat. If you had a houseboat I’d certainly take a kayak or inflatable. We use to go when there were no fees at Lone Rock and when we drove our own 4 wheel jeep to Antelope Canyon, stayed all day and explored every other Canyon around. I do understand the draw if you’ve never been though. Terrible wind and absolutely huge waves come up during monsoon season, plan accordingly!

[Kayteg1]

From top of my head Lake Powell has about 1500 miles shoreline, so can't really generalize the conditions.
At Lone Rocks, I have seen lot of kayaks. Sure they did not go to open water, but had their fun.
Lake Powell is getting crowded. Years ago I could book Antelope Canyon midday tour on following day. Last year in August the tours were booked for weeks in advance.
Being there I met Utah guy, who comes to the lake every summers for 2 weeks. He started as teenager with his parents, now he brings his kids there.
Sure one of the greatest value for camping.
If you have ATV - take it there as well.
I also have to prize the Host me met at Lone Rock. Retired cop was doing really good job keeping the order and quiet hours and beach campers are not easy to control.

[Harleybullet]

Well that does not sound very encouraging....hehehe

[Grit_dog]

Beautiful lake, stunning.
Not the place for a porta bote unless you stay near accessible shoreline and near your put in point. You’re not going to be able to tour the lake with 6hp. It’s an excercise in futility and very dangerous.
Have been out there when houseboats foundered and in waves that were no joke for 20-24’ v drives. Sometimes it’s wind, sometimes it’s large boat wakes, sometimes it’s both.
I wouldn’t even consider a row boat, not at all.
It’s like asking how well a row boat would fare crossing Lake Michigan.

[cewillis]

If you're adventurous and don't like crowds -- Blue Notch.

[Harleybullet]

Thanks for the comeback guys.... thinking of strapping a Porta boat to the side of the camper and taking it out to Powell from NY. Looking at the 12 or 14 footer and a 6hp OB these are like a calapsible rowboat. I see most are in agreement that this is an morning excurion because of winds comeup in the afternoon.

[ppine]

I have been around Lake Powell a lot but had only one boat trip. We rented a houseboat, but towed a Master Craft ski boat. I can tell you that afternoon winds can be fierce. They are especially strong in the narrow canyons where there is a venturi effect. One afternoon we barely got home in the ski boat which was 19 feet. They have flat bottoms and are not made for rough condidtions. Several times we thought about spending the night in a side canyon. After we got back to the houseboat we monitored the marine radio and learned that two boats had swamped and one of them was a ski boat.

If you are going to paddle L Powell, plan on early starts and get off the water by noon or 1400. Get some rough water experience and it is best to dress for immersion. wear a PFD.

[Kayteg1]

Had a boat there years ago, but was without the boat last summer.
The main campground on AZ side was full, but the Lone Rock beach campground in UT has no limits. $7/night with our multiagency pass.
BTW years ago, having cabin cruiser we went all 400 km up the lake to spot where Colorado River enter. Trip of our life. With the size of the lake and winds, I don't think inflatable will be usable. Try to see Horseshoe Bend, Rainbow Bridge and Antelope Canyon (at noon)